Book Review for Bright by Mary Paddock
Bright, by Mary Paddock, is a religious thriller about doing whatever it takes to protect your loved ones, even in death.
Hannah Whitfield has recently broken off an affair with the charming Clint. In order to save her marriage, she and her husband, Jeff, decide to go on a camping trip. But despite their hopes, Clint isn’t the kind of man to take no for an answer. Soon, Hannah learns that she must protect her family from this madman, and realizes that family is family, even after death. Paddock will put readers on edge in this gripping thriller, all the while showing that even in the darkest of places, faith and love can overcome any obstacle.
Paddock clearly depicts Hannah as a mature woman. Even after striking up an affair, Hannah had the courage to tell her husband about it. She didn’t run away from her problems, and cared more about her family than herself. This was a character trait that stuck out the most, because it reflects the truest depths of love. Then there’s Riana, who struggled with her faith in an all powerful, all loving deity. Though her situation was immensely difficult, from finding out that her mother had died, to caring for her brothers, she still found comfort in many places. It gave her the strength to move on, to become a survivor, rather than a victim.
There was one particular moment that beautifully painted the overall theme of the book. Riana and her brothers were standing by Jeff’s hospital bed, not knowing if he was going to wake. Riana struggle to pray to God (or whoever was out there), but when they finished, Jeff whispered quietly, “Amen”, alongside his children. Though the doctor said it was just a reflex, this scene showed that there was more to this book than just religion, or murder, or mystery. This book depicts the foundations of humanity, that faith, love, and strength are intertwined. Whereas the detective and Hannah were doing everything they could to protect their loved ones, Riana and the others were doing whatever it took to stave off the grief, and to simply remember.
As such, I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Paddock weaves a hope-filled tale about caring for your loved ones, even after death. From finding comfort in the loss of a mother, to the gentle certainty that everything will be alright, readers will love this tender thriller, one that shows the beauty and perseverance of humanity.
